Cops with cameras
Julie Gilbert • Published 9 Nov 2011 10:00
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POLICE can now capture incidents as they unfold thanks to cameras on their uniforms.
Twelve of the body cams have been in use in the Drumchapel and Garscadden police area since Thursday.
Chief Inspector Drew Innes says the videos can then be used in court and will cut down on the number of witnesses required to give evidence.
He also hopes the knowledge that crimes are being recorded will also stop attacks on police officers.
Chief Inspector Innes said: "If you go into a confrontational situation, into a pub fight or a street fight where people are kicking off or being confrontational or aggressive, and give them a declaration that they are subject to video footage, then that's going to reduce violence.
"And if we go to a domestic abuse incident, the camera goes on straight away and you are capturing real time evidence - the condition of the victim, the state of the house.
"It can be used in court to support the victim's version of events.
"It will cut down on the amount of time police officers and members of the public are required to spend in court as evidence will be seized instantaneously.
"It's disclosed to the defence and if the defence lawyer sees footage of his or her client then there will be more guilty pleas, reducing the burden on the courts."
Chief Inspector Innes would like to thank Drumchapel councillor Paul Carey, Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow City Safety Services for helping to secure funidng and get the cameras into the area.
This article appeared in Clydebank Post 09 Nov 11
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